We've always cringed a little when we visualise the same foot file brushingour feet now brushing someone else's beforeours, or imagining whose toes the spacers could be between earlier that day at the same nail salon.

Not that any of the salons we visited were questionable (in fact, ever since we became aware of the potential nail infection risks at the salons, we've been extra careful todo our research before visiting any new nail salons and made sure we only visit favourite salons we trust), it was just that our over imaginative nature doesn't serve us well in this instance ;)

It doesn't help too when we hear frequent horror stories from media all over the world, coupled with equally disturbing images, on the aftermath of nail infections after mani-pedi sessions. And as we do more research, we realise there are varying levels of nail salon hygiene regulations (if any), practices and expectations all over the world.

"I was thrilled to have my own very own Manicure and Pedicure Kit! I am a person who is very particular about hygiene due to my profession as a nurse in the past and we shouldn't really be sharing any nail kit. Sharing of nail kit is extremely unhygienic. But if you use a one time kit, it is bad for environment too. So why not have a set that you can keep for a long time? I travel quite often so I need my very own nail kit set and so far I have been using for two years. I love it." - Carrie, Singapore

Don't get us wrong. We LOVE our regular treats of mani-pedi, and don't ever wish to give it up. Which is why we would do whatever it takes to ensure we get our beautiful nails with the minimum risk exposure within our control. All we want is beautiful nails all year round, and none of the nasties.

To do that, we make sure we

Only visit salons that have got their hygiene standards and processes right,

How about you? Have you done something about your concern? Perhaps bought some tools from Salons and assembled your own kit? Or are you looking around for a manicure set you can just pick up and bring to your salon?

Of the tools used during regular Manicure / Pedicure sessions, which one(s) do you least prefer to share? (If you need some guide to the tools, check out THE NAIL EDITION Tools page.

Also in Our Thoughts

It's the time of the year again when you have to rack your brains to find the perfect gifts for your loved ones, and perhaps reward yourself too, for a year well done.

If you are buying gifts for a mani pedi lover and are totally clueless, then help is here. We've shortlisted 7 Christmas Gifts PERFECT for anyone who loves beautiful nails. Items that we ourselves will be THRILLED to receive this Christmas. :)

For the celebrities and socialites, this is probably a no brainer with celebrity nail artists looking after their nails with utmost TLC, making sure their digits look absolutely on point, and matching their outfit for every event. But for the rest of us, it will require just a little more effort, on our own.

Instead of sharing where to find inspirations for drop-dead-gorgeous nail designs that can be a great conversation starter at any event, it might, on the contrary be more apt to discuss what exactly is preventing us from having beautiful nails all the time, and what can we do about it.

If you have a trusted nail salon where you frequent, congratulations! But if your favourite salon is unfortunately full booked (and you are in urgent need to glam up your digits) or if you are intending to try out a new salon, make sure you don’t miss out these 5 essential steps. Not unless you have an immunity against all infections.